Marvel: Kevin Feige makes interesting revelation about the future of the MCU

Kevin Feige suggests that Marvel Studios’ long-term contracts may be done and over with. That’s not a bad thing.

One of the things that kept Marvel Cinematic Universe fans happy was knowing how long their favorite Marvel Studios performers were going to be in the MCU films. This security let us all know that we’d see certain characters reappear in future projects.

Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. both having their contracts run out suggested that Avengers: Endgame may be their last project – at least for a while. As we saw with how the storylines developed in that movie, this remains true so far, bringing an end to their long run with the MCU. On the other hand, however, we have Chris Hemsworth – who will return as Thor in spite of Endgame‘s finality for many of the original MCU heroes.

However, the certainty of long-running contracts may no longer exist. An interview with Kevin Feige in The Hollywood Reporter revealed that long-term contracts may not be as regular as they once were for Marvel. Feige commented:

"“Really, what we want are people that come in, are excited to be in the universe, are excited at the opportunity to do more things, as opposed to being locked into contractual obligations.”"

Before anyone thinks that this is a definite thing, he also said that it “varies, project to project, cast to cast…” This means that there is still an opportunity to contract stars on a long-term basis but that restrictive long-term contracts won’t be as regular of a thing as they once were.

The gift and the curse of Marvel’s new approach

Marvel Studios not locking people into contracts will benefit everyone. For one, it’s far less restrictive. Performers will no longer feel forced to stay on for too long and will be free to take on other opportunities. For those who want to stay, they have an opportunity to renegotiate their contracts to something that better fits their schedules and personal lives. This leaves for a more comfortable work environment for everyone. No one will feel pressured or forced to stick around.

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On the other hand, this means huge names could be around for much shorter stints. Imagine if Robert Downey Jr. or Tom Hiddleston left the MCU after doing just two films. Fans would never have gotten the opportunity to see the juggernauts that their respective characters, Tony Stark/Iron Man and Loki, would eventually become.

Short-term contracts could result in scheduling conflicts later down the line if Marvel wishes to reintroduce a character when their respective actor is busy on another project. This also means that the character could have to be recast – something that fans get annoyed with. Thankfully, we only had a couple of major changes in the MCU. First when Don Cheadle replaced Terrance Howard as James Rhodes and later when Ross Marquand replaced Hugo Weaving as Red Skull. Could it happen again in the future?

No matter what happens, fans will undoubtedly remain glued to Marvel Studios. People will be looking to see which of their favorite performers are leaving and returning. Whatever they decide, this writer hopes that it benefits everyone involved and kicks off an exciting new era for the MCU.

What do you think of Kevin Feige’s announcement? Are less restrictive contracts a good idea moving forward? Let us know in the comments below.